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The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us: The Son of God Series, #1
The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us: The Son of God Series, #1
The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us: The Son of God Series, #1
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The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us: The Son of God Series, #1

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Five books of historical fiction shine a compelling light on Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.  In his heavenly role, he is called Yeshua and as a man he is called Jesus.  In each book you will meet Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah. He is personal and approachable.

Book 1, Unto Us sets up the power-struggle between God and Satan. Heaven and Hell clash!  A baby named Jesus is the flashpoint of the conflict.

The sweet Christmas story?  No, this is the story of a young Jewish couple unexpectedly thrust into the cosmic war between Good and Evil.  They have been entrusted with the life of heaven’s king and Earth’s savior.  How will they survive?

LanguageEnglish
Release dateDec 7, 2017
ISBN9781386343400
The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us: The Son of God Series, #1
Author

Sharon Lindsay

Sharon Lindsay is a woman who reads the Bible and sees the drama of the ancient stories like vivid movies rolling across her mind.  She is the author of the 5-book Son of God Series, a writer who grounds her fast-paced fictionalized account of the life of Jesus in Biblical studies, historical research, and personal experience.  Her own experiences, the times when heaven has supernaturally stepped into her life, allow her to write this Biblical story with the authority of someone who has come face to face with the spiritual forces of Good and Evil. Sharon is a graduate of Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College).  She is a retired teacher with 37 years of classroom experience, elementary through middle school.  As a retiree, she continues to teach in the church setting and has found that both adults and teenagers who read The Son of God Series are captivated by her fresh and relatable retelling of the Gospel account.  She is an active member of a Messianic Jewish Congregation.

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    The Son of God Series Book 1 Unto Us - Sharon Lindsay

    Introduction

    The purpose of this book is to breathe life into the plastic characters of the nativity so that the reader can identify with the flesh-and-blood people who lived and were associated with the birth of Jesus. Their experiences with each other and with the beings who dwell in the spiritual realm are not unlike the

    experiences of people today.

    A great deal of research has gone into this book, but it does not contain the definitive answers to controversial questions. It does attempt to follow the biblical narrative and the chronology of historical events; the rest is theory or imagination. All direct quotes from scripture are italicized and referenced at the end of the book. An index of characters will help you recognize biblical, historical, and fictional characters. Unto Us is the first book in the Son of God Series, five novels which cover the life of Jesus.

    So let the story begin.  In the beginning was the Word [Yeshua the Creator] and the Word was with God [the Eternal Father and his Holy Spirit], and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. (John 1:1–4)

    Prologue I

    Creation

    So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number;

    fill the earth and subdue it

    .—Genesis 1:27–28

    ––––––––

    In the beginning...

    Like a fiery wind, the Spirit of God moved back and forth over a patch of bare soil, waiting for the moment. Let us make man in our image! the voice of the Eternal Father boomed from his Holy Sanctuary. From the sapphire throne on the backs of cherubim, his all-powerful voice instantly cut a path through the vast void of space. It reached the ears of Yeshua the Creator, who was kneeling in the dirt he had created

    three days earlier.

    Responding to the voice of that part of the Godhead which maintained order in the universe, Yeshua thrust his hands deep into the black soil, pulling from it elements with which to form cells, the building blocks of flesh. Skillfully, he packed various types of cells together. Bone tissue—one by one, he formed and laid out over two hundred bones to shape the skeletal system.

    Father? the Creator’s voice traveled through space unimpeded by time or distance. Man is smaller than the angels.

    Only for a time is he less than the angels. He will grow into companionship with us, the Eternal Ruler replied. All he needs is the potential to grow more and more into our likeness.

    Nodding his head in agreement, Yeshua continued to work. He knew his Father omnisciently watched from the throne room, pouring himself into this unprecedented event. Never before

    had such thought, such personal tenderness gone into an act of creation.

    Heart tissue—the Creator packed it together into an irregular ball about the size of a fist, then he created chambers and attached a system of veins and arteries through which life would surge.

    Make it big enough to hold more than blood, the Spirit urged. Man’s heart must hold love, compassion, patience—all the emotions we share. He must feel deeply about righteousness and justice. And he must need companionship—the Spirit sighed such a long deep sigh that the trees bent as his breath went forth with the words that completed his thought—like we need companionship.

    The Godhead, a single omnipotent being who had divided himself into three separate beings with specific roles, now focused on the creation of a being more like himself than anything previously created—not equal, not an exact replica, but very similar in many significant ways.

    Nerve tissue—painstakingly, the Creator threaded the sensory paths, linking each one to the center of intelligence that was protected by the skull. The capacity of man’s brain, like ours, is infinite, Yeshua commented to his coregents as he placed centers of language, speech, and creativity in the brain. For now, I am giving him the basic information for life. As he experiences life and as we share with him, he will grow to be more and more like us.

    Reproductive tissue—from the throne room, the Eternal Ruler shouted with excitement! We are going to be a father many times over! This man is only the beginning. He will reproduce and fill the universe with beings that are our children, each one like us in many ways and still unique created beings. I can hardly wait!

    At last the Creator straightened up. The form of man is finished!

    At that moment, all eyes focused on that one spot in the Garden of Eden. Like a beautiful clay statue, the first man lay lifeless on the ground. Throughout the universe, not a note was sung, not a word was uttered as slowly the Creator bent over. Pressing his lips to the mouth he had formed, he blew into the man his own life.

    Immediately, the man warmed and then took his first shuddering breath. His lungs filled with air. His cells began functioning according to the design of their Creator. He opened his eyes.

    Adam, the Creator said his name as he reached out with both hands to help the first man to his feet and bring him into a welcoming embrace.

    Instantly, the Spirit wrapped himself around the man, enshrouding him in a mantle of light, his only clothing.

    It is good! Father God shouted from heaven.

    Lucifer, the prince of the cherubim, sang a perfect pitch, and suddenly all seven angelic choirs burst into song. Their anthem could be heard in every corner of the kingdom that was ruled by the Eternal Father, Yeshua the Creator, and the Holy Spirit.

    Throughout the entire choral anthem, Yeshua held his newest creation close to his chest. As newly awakened flesh pressed against the spiritual being of his Creator, they bonded. I love you, the Creator whispered, tears of joy running down his glowing face. The experience of having you alive in my arms is more joy than I have ever experienced before! We will spend time together. As the last musical note sounded, Yeshua released Adam and took him by the hand. This world is for you! Let me show you!

    Dazzled, overwhelmed, Adam began to look around. His nervous system began feeding and storing information. Suddenly, he was animated, running from forest to meadow, from seashore to mountain. Hand in hand with his Creator, he explored the garden. Then at the command of Yeshua, the animals presented themselves, coming forward in pairs, and Adam named each kind.

    When the last pair of animals had passed, Adam continued to look around.

    What are you looking for? Yeshua the Creator gently asked.

    My partner, Adam responded. Every kind of animal that has passed by me has come with a mate, another like itself. I am looking for another like myself.

    We made you to need companionship, the Spirit commented.

    We did, Yeshua concurred, and now that you have felt that need, I will fill it. As he spoke, Yeshua led his creation to a mossy bed near a flowing stream. Lie down, he directed.

    Adam stretched out on the ground, and Yeshua the Creator knelt beside him. With one hand, he reached out to touch. It was a tender touch, repeatedly brushing the golden curls back from Adam’s forehead until sleepiness made his eyelids close and his breathing became slow and shallow.

    Then while Father God watched, the Spirit tenderly glowed, causing warm breezes to engulf the first man. With one finger, the Creator opened up Adam’s side. Skillfully, without spilling any of the blood that carried life throughout Adam’s body, he removed one of Adam’s ribs, sealing the incision immediately.

    While Adam slept, Yeshua worked with the genetic material he had placed within each cell in the rib. From it, he generated new cells which he formed into another being, a being like Adam in most ways but significantly different—a compliment, a companion, a being capable of bearing the offspring that would

    populate the earth and spill over into the other solar systems and galaxies that had been spoken into existence on the fourth day. She is beautiful, the Holy Spirit whispered. Her heart is tender and capable of holding tremendous love.

    Once more, the Creator pressed his lips against the cold clay lips of his creation, breathing steadily into her mouth. Color bloomed in her cheeks, and as she turned her head, rays of sunlight caught the movement of her long dark tresses.

    Eve, Yeshua spoke the name of the first woman. She took a breath and slowly opened her eyes.

    It is good! Father God announced, and once more, the angelic choruses burst into song while Yeshua pulled the first woman to her feet and into his arms, welcoming her, pouring himself into her. The Holy Spirit also caressed her, dressing her in a garment of light.

    As the angelic chorus ended, the Creator took Eve by the hand and showed her Adam as he slept. You were made to be a companion and a coregent with this man.

    Adam! the Spirit called the man out of his sleep.

    Adam opened his eyes, reaching up and accepting the hand of his Creator.

    This is your partner, your mate for life, Father God announced from the throne room as the Creator placed Eve’s hand in the hand of Adam.

    As flesh touched flesh, an electric thrill surged through both the man and the woman. Joyfully, the Spirit swirled around them, knitting them together heart and soul.

    Together, you are to rule over the Earth, the plants, and the animals. Make all flourish, and then bear children so this planet will be filled, God commanded.

    In response, both Adam and Eve bowed to the ground, accepting the mandate of the Eternal Triune.

    With an outstretched hand, Yeshua the Creator brought them back to their feet. Come, I will show you more of the garden. Grabbing each by a hand, Yeshua began to run, taking them from quiet ponds to cascading waterfalls, from golden fields to majestic forests.

    Time passed. Earth rotated away from the sun, and darkness filled the sky. Throughout the night, Adam and Eve sat with their Creator, naming the stars and wondering at the brightness of the moon. At dawn on the seventh day, Yeshua led them to an orchard where they enjoyed the sweet produce of the trees. Then he took them to a field where they plucked the ripe grain, chewing handfuls as they walked along.

    They drank water from a stream and then sat on its mossy bank with feet submerged. This day, the seventh day of every week, will be our day, the Creator said. "I will come to you in the evening as the sixth day ends. For the entire seventh day, we will celebrate the creation of this world. ‘For in six days I made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but I rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Eternal Father, the Holy Spirit and I have blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.’¹ It will be our eternal celebration."

    Then the Creator led Adam and Eve to a grassy hill. At the top, he paused, pointing to the sunset. Our day is ending. I have so much more to tell you, and you need time to make your own discoveries. For now, I will leave you to explore, to taste, to experience. All has been created for your pleasure. There is only one restriction, the Tree Of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which is planted in the center of the garden. Do not eat from it. The fruit of that tree causes sorrow, separation, and death.

    Before parting, the Creator pulled each one close. Then as the sky began to lose its light, his bodily image became a fiery spirit enveloped in clouds, and he ascended into the twilight.

    ***

    High atop the golden walls of the celestial city, Lucifer, prince of the cherubim, looked down on the Creator’s most recent achievement. The Creator actually gave dominion of the planet and all the creation associated with it to those inferior beings, he muttered. They are so immature in the ways of the kingdom! Why couldn’t the Creator have given that world to me? I am qualified for greater responsibilities than supporting the sapphire throne and directing the choirs.

    One of the angelic watchers soared to the top of the wall, stopping in front of Lucifer to make a quick sweeping bow.

    Lucifer nodded, enjoying the recognition of his superior rank within the angelic hosts.

    Gabriel sent me to take this position on the wall where I can watch over Adam and Eve. If they appear to have any need, I am to report it immediately, the watcher relayed his assignment.

    Concealing the resentment he felt, Lucifer stepped aside, allowing the angelic watcher to take his place. After a brief hesitation, he flew off to take his position, walking among the fiery stones while supporting the sapphire throne of the Eternal God, Three-in-One.

    ***

    He is coming! Adam pointed toward a tiny glowing point of light in the early evening sky. He took his wife’s hand, and together, they watched as the golden ember in the heavens became a giant ball of fire streaking toward Earth. As it appeared to increase in size, clouds formed at the base of the fireball, cushioning and slowing its descent through the atmosphere.

    Hand in hand, the first man and woman ran through the grassy meadow to the top of a flower-strewn hill, to the place where the Creator usually met them. Breathless with anticipation, they raised their hands in welcome. A deliciously warm breeze enveloped their bodies. Like the kiss of God, it sent warm shivers through their souls.

    The Holy Spirit is with him, Eve said, acknowledging the presence of that part of the Godhead that moved like the wind, burned like fire, and flowed like oil throughout the kingdom of the Eternal.

    As the fiery cloud touched the ground, it suddenly transformed into a towering man clothed in shimmering white light. A smile covered his glowing face, and he stretched his arms out in a welcoming gesture. Adam my son and Eve, my daughter, I am so eager to hear what you have been doing with the Earth and the creatures I have placed under your authority. Before the Creator could say more, he engulfed both of his unique creations in his arms and pulled them firmly against his chest. I can feel your excitement! I know you have so much to tell. Releasing them, the Creator stepped back. Then with an arm around each, he led them to a bench-shaped boulder, where they sat together while the Spirit swirled around them.

    For a few moments, everyone was silent, just enjoying the physical closeness and the beauty that surrounded them.

    You know, the angels do not understand what it is to enjoy the results of a creative effort. They are incapable of experiencing the satisfaction and pleasure that we are feeling at this moment, Yeshua commented quietly, as if he were speaking to himself. Then he turned to Adam. You’ve named the creatures and assigned each to a region suitable to its physical and temperamental needs. Now in what other ways are you ordering and expanding upon my creation? Yeshua asked.

    I am learning to communicate with the dolphins, and they are helping me explore the underwater regions. Coral fascinates me. It provides a habitat for so many sea creatures. I was wondering if it could be made to grow above the waterline, providing a habitat for flying creatures?

    In response to Adam’s question, the Creator waved his hand, and a giant illustration filled the sky. You have to make a basic change at the intracellular level. Yeshua pointed to a tiny point on the spiraling chain of genetic material located in the core of the cell. A change here will allow the tiny creatures that build the coral to adapt to a dry environment.

    Adam studied the illustration intently, his face breaking into a big grin as he began to understand how to apply the information the Creator was sharing with him.

    Do you know how happy you make me? the Creator asked. For so long, I have desired to have someone with which to share the secrets of creation, someone who would be able to come up with original ideas and implement them! I am looking forward to seeing coral rise out of the sea!  And what about you, Eve? He turned to the beautiful woman he had made to be a companion to Adam and mother of the human race.

    I have been cross-pollinating fruit trees with fruit-bearing vines.

    And I have had to taste the results, Adam quipped. Today she was perfecting sour. Adam’s mouth puckered as he spoke.

    Sometimes a pure sour taste is exactly what is needed when you are working with food combinations, Eve good-naturedly defended her project. Laughter rolled off the hilltop as Adam, Eve, and Yeshua appreciated the humor of the moment.

    When their laughter died away, Yeshua asked, Have you found a place to make your own special dwelling, a place to begin your family?

    Adam answered, We found a place near the river. Together, we planted grapevines, which we are going to train to arch, forming a roof.

    I’ve put lily of the valley near the base of the grapevines and transplanted moss and ferns, Eve added. It will be a cool, comfortable place, our own dwelling that we do not share with the animals.

    We will always share our dwelling with you, Adam hastily added, including both his Creator and the Spirit in his invitation.

    I hope that is always true, the Creator replied with an unusual note of wistfulness in his voice.

    Prologue II

    The Fall

    You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you

    .—Ezekiel 28:14–15

    ––––––––

    Like fiery oil, the Holy Spirit made a glowing circuit of the room before flowing into the shape of a flaming hand and filling his place on the throne. Eternal Ruler, the Spirit addressed his coregent, Lucifer is spreading sedition again.

    Before the Spirit could communicate his thoughts on the activities of the highest-ranking and most beautiful cherub ever created, a seraph named Ophaniel soared into the throne room. He made a sweeping bow before the trifold rulers of the universe. As this beautiful angel prostrated himself before his God, one pair of his shimmering wings covered his face, and another pair of wings covered his feet while a third set of wings slowly beat the air and whispered, Holy, holy, holy! Wonderful Creator, Eternal Ruler, and Bountiful Spirit! For a long time, the high-ranking seraph remained in that position.

    Ever watchful, Michael, one of the archangels on the Mount of God, stepped to the side of the kneeling seraph to gently urge him to take his post above the throne. But at that moment, the Eternal Ruler held up a restraining hand, and Michael, with a respectful bow, returned to his place beside the throne.

    Your heart is heavy, the Eternal Father observed.

    Speak, Yeshua the Creator urged. Unburden yourself before you take your place above the throne.

    Without commenting, the Spirit flowed from his place on the throne and engulfed the now-trembling angel. His sweet aroma, mercy mingled with compassion, filled the holy chamber.

    Ophaniel breathed deeply, allowing the fragrance of genuine comfort to fill his nostrils. It broke through his respectful reserve and allowed him to confess, My heart is breaking over the accusations of Lucifer, your wisest and strongest cherub. With his body, he supports your throne, but with his words, he tears it down!

    We have heard him, and we have seen the dark places in his heart, the Father responded.

    Then please, speak out! Refute Lucifer’s claim that he and not man should have been given dominion over your newest creation, Earth! Silence him now before it is too late! Many of the hosts of heaven are convinced that you have treated the royal bearer of your throne with undeserved disdain. Some ministering spirits have stopped praising your name and have become obsessed with judging and condemning your actions. Your kingdom is being divided. The spiritual beings that you have created to minister in the heavenly courts and sing praises before your throne are now taking sides. You must take action!

    Do not be troubled, the Creator responded. We have a plan. As Lucifer continues to build a wall that separates himself from us, our plan will unfold.

    Forgive me, Ophaniel cried. I have listened to his divisive words.

    There is nothing to forgive, Father God responded. You have chosen us, and that choice brings some rejoicing to this dismal situation.

    It is all about the choice, Yeshua the Creator asserted. We are the rulers of created beings who choose to submit to our authority. He gestured toward the Archangel Michael and to the guardian cherubim on whose backs the throne floated. They, along with many others, have turned their backs on Lucifer and have pledged their allegiance to us. Yeshua pointed above the throne toward Gabriel, who had joined the seraphim to fill the throne room with praises. Each time one of the heavenly hosts comes freely into this room to declare allegiance, there is rejoicing.

    I do pledge my allegiance and submit to the authority of the Eternal God, Yeshua the Creator, and the Holy Spirit, Ophaniel declared.

    In response, Yeshua extended his hand toward Ophaniel. Accept this white stone. It bears the mark that identifies those who are with us.

    Ophaniel extended his hand and received a pure white stone, on which two intersecting lines were engraved: one long and one short. He placed the stone in his breastplate among the other gems that had been given to him at his creation and on the occasion when he received the honor of singing praises above the throne.

    "Some of the heavenly beings are still deciding. For now, we will wait until all of our created beings have affirmed their loyalty.

    Allegiance cannot be forced," Father God added.

    Satisfied and comforted, Ophaniel rose from his kneeling position and flew to his station opposite Gabriel above the crystal-blue throne. Their shimmering wings arched like the dazzling emerald bow above them, and together, they sang their love and loyalty to the Trinity.

    Simultaneously, Father God and Yeshua looked at the Holy Spirit, waiting for him to complete the thoughts he had begun to share. Lucifer is on the walls attempting to convince the watchers and the heralds. Many other heavenly beings are also with him. The Spirit had stated what the other members of the Godhead knew. Sadly, the three rulers turned their attention to the gathering near the jasper watchtower on top of the golden walls of the celestial city.

    ***

    Lifting his chin a little higher, Lucifer, the prince of cherubs, observed his glorious reflection in the polished jasper of the corner tower. I am an astoundingly beautiful creature! He then spoke to a cluster of angels and heavenly beings who had been drawn almost irresistibly to the top of the towering walls of the heavenly city, You came to see the Creator’s wisest and most wonderful creation. Lucifer’s melodious voice pulled his audience closer while his eyes remained fixed on his own reflected beauty.

    He stared at himself. Like all cherubim, he had four faces: a man, a lion, an eagle, and an ox. Each was magnificently regal, and each glowed like polished gold. Deliberately, he pulled his gaze away from his own dazzling reflection and turned his manly face toward his audience.

    The promenade on top of the golden walls continued to fill with every rank and kind of heavenly being. Lucifer waited. The air became heavy with anticipation. Finally, with a voice as clear and resounding as a perfect musical note, he trumpeted, When you see my wings, woven with strands of silver and gold and set with diamonds, are you not awed? And when you see my breastplate filled with precious stones, are you not amazed at the honors I am worthy of! Each of these stones represents a position in the kingdom. Then he paused, slowly turning so the gems the Creator had placed in his breastplate could catch the rays of light that emanated from the throne room of the Eternal Trinity.

    When you observe the Creator’s newest addition to his kingdom—man, ruler of Earth... The royal cherub’s intonation signaled his disdain. His pause allowed anticipation to build. Then dramatically, he arched his wings and shook his head so his golden tresses caught the breeze and floated like a shimmering halo. Suddenly, he turned his eagle face on his audience. For a spellbinding moment, he swept the crowd of heavenly beings with his piercing sapphire gaze. Only when he was satisfied that he had the attention of every celestial being within the range of his voice did he revert to his manly face and finish his sentence, ...and you see the plainness of flesh with a mere covering of light that is Adam and his partner, Eve, are you not aghast that they were given dominion over the planet? Did you see what the man was made from? Dirt! Not precious stones filled with light and set in gold! Man cannot transform himself into energy and move faster than light. He cannot even change his form, yet God expects us to minister to him! There is nothing about man that commands my respect. Adam and his partner, Eve, are inferior creatures who should be ministering to us!

    In response, a cacophony of voices filled the air as some voiced their agreement and others their amazement.

    You heard me! Lucifer repeated. Adam and his partner, Eve, are inferior creatures who should be worshipping and ministering to us! A mistake! Yeshua the Creator surely made a mistake in setting the hierarchy of his new domain!

    Mistake! A subordinate cherub vehemently protested as he turned a brilliantly glaring ox-like face toward his superior. The Creator does not make mistakes! Adam and his partner, Eve, are made in the image of God, with unlimited potential and the ability to procreate! They are destined to rule with the Godhead. That is truly awesome! You should not speak against your Creator and his plans without cause.

    I have cause! Lucifer shouted back as he turned his lion-like face toward the protesting cherub. Shaking his beautiful hair like a magnificent golden mane, he roared, Injustice!

    Lucifer smiled to himself in satisfaction as his audience gasped.

    How could the Trinity be accused of injustice? they asked.

    Returning to his most serene face, man, he responded to his listeners, Since the moment of my creation, I have demonstrated the ability to rule. I have become more than a mere cherub, supporter of the throne. He pointed to his breastplate, to a shimmering piece of topaz cut so it appeared to have an eye within its center. I organize the watchers and send them to their posts. Next, his finger touched the pulsating ruby set near the center of his breastplate. The living stone sang a perfect scale. I compose the music and conduct all seven choirs of morning stars. As he enumerated the positions he flawlessly maintained, he pointed to the corresponding stones in his breastplate. Jasper—I direct the heralds to announce every movement of each member of the Godhead. Because I understand the needs of the Godhead, I make sure there are always two guardian cherubim and numerous seraphim in the throne room. He pointed to the royal sapphire, then to the onyx stone, black as the uncreated voids at the edges of the kingdom. I also oversee the keepers of the records of heaven. With a sneer, he added, Adam, lord of the Earth, has named the animals and is now attempting to communicate with them!

    Within the heavenly audience, there were a number of responsive chuckles, but many of the heavenly host remained uncomfortably silent.

    Encouraged by the positive responses, Lucifer continued, Justice demands that I take dominion of Earth, that Adam and his offspring submit to my authority and honor me.

    From the center of the audience, a beautiful winged creature rose in a shimmering mist that condensed into a brilliant fireball. Like a comet, he soared into direct confrontation with the Princeof Cherubim. Do not give the false impression that you have been treated unfairly! Yeshua the Creator made me to spread his beautiful qualities throughout the kingdom. He is the source of all that I am, and my loyalty is with him! Turning on his glowing tail, the outspoken creature soared off the city walls into the celestial clouds. Other shimmering creatures rose from the crowd, condensing into brilliant balls of fire as they flew away toward the Sea of Glass in front of the Sanctuary of the Most Holy. Many cherubs, seraphs, watchers, and heralds also followed, leaving Lucifer with those heavenly beings whose thoughts and allegiance he had captured.

    Can’t you show the Trinity that they made a mistake? a prince from the heralds voiced his suggestion. The Godhead is fair. If you show them the error of their ways, they will have to correct their mistake, another seraph offered support for the herald’s suggestion.

    I have considered a demonstration. Lucifer nodded thoughtfully before he continued. I want to show the Creator that Adam and Eve are of inferior intellect. They should be ministering to the heavenly host. The host of heaven should not be ministering to them. Yeshua has spoken with the man and woman frequently, and still they are simple beings incapable of ruling Earth. I have observed them closely and know for a fact that they spend much of their time trying to communicate with the animals. They are very slow to accomplish the things we are all able to do. The Godhead will thank me for making their ineptitude clear."

    Do you really think the Creator will give you dominion over the Earth just because they have not mastered communicating with the animals? a doubting herald asked.

    I am counting on the objectivity that the Trinity has always boasted, Lucifer answered in a challenging tone.

    ***

    Nearly one-third of our ministering spirits agree with Lucifer, the Eternal Father said, stating what the Triune Rulers omnipotently knew.

    When we created beings with the ability to reason and make choices, we always knew rebellion was a possibility, the Creator asserted with resignation.

    But we did not know it would hurt so much. Father God wiped a crystal tear from his face, and a little of his physical brilliance seemed to fade with the emotional pain of accusation and rejection. My heart aches for Lucifer, our wonderful creation.

    I will go to the Garden of Eden and warn Adam and Eve once more, the Creator stated. They must understand their vulnerability.

    And they should be advised to stay away from the place where they are most vulnerable, the Spirit added.

    The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Father God breathed the name of the element of choice that, after much conferring, had been placed in the garden.

    At Earth’s twilight, I will meet them, the Creator said.

    You may be too late. As the Spirit spoke, each member of the Trinity was simultaneously aware of Lucifer’s presence on Earth.

    ***

    Winged serpent? On Earth, the Prince of Cherubs approached the most intelligent and dazzling creature that Yeshua had placed in the garden.

    Gracefully, the iridescently scaled reptile raised its magnificently sculptured head. With quizzical onyx eyes, it looked directly into the face of the most beautiful and intelligent angel ever created.

    I speak your language, and I have authority over the animal kingdoms, Lucifer announced.

    The beautiful winged serpent stared uncertainly, then he spread his wings and started to soar away into the treetops.

    Quickly, Lucifer interposed his dazzling body into the creature’s flight path. Flaunting his position, he said, I’m sure you recognize that I am a very high-ranking emissary from the Most Holy Sanctuary of the Trinity. Adam is not the only being who has dominion over you!

    Immediately, the serpent responded as he would to his Creator. Submissively, he folded his wings and lowered his gold-and-silver patterned head.

    Lucifer read the creature’s body language and nodded to himself in satisfaction. The serpent was going to cooperate. Making his voice as nonthreatening as possible, he continued, Yeshua has asked that you allow me to inhabit your body so I may speak to Adam and Eve through you.

    The serpent’s high-pitched song of consent softly floated on the air as Lucifer transformed himself into a stream of high-energy living matter that flowed into the body of the winged reptile. As soon as he had possession of the beautiful creature, he soared to the top of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil to wait for his opportunity.

    It was not long before Eve wandered by. The early afternoon sun caught her long black tresses, reflecting the colors of the rainbow. Enviously, Lucifer fixed the hypnotic eyes of the serpent on his prey. Hidden in the silver foliage of the forbidden tree, he watched every movement the woman made.

    As she walked from tree to tree, gathering fruit, the translucent light that clothed her body revealed the silhouette of her exquisite feminine form. Lucifer had to admit that there was primitive beauty in this newest creation, so much beauty that he could not tear his eyes from the graceful movements of the creature called woman. She was alone, and her arms were loaded down with the fruit from several species of trees. Through the serpent, Lucifer called to her, Eve, daughter of Father God!

    Immediately, the beautiful female paused and looked around, astonished that someone other than Adam or Yeshua had called her name.

    Over here, Lucifer called. Come over to the tree so I can talk with you.

    Wide-eyed and curious, the woman created from Adam’s rib turned to see a winged serpent speaking to her from within the branches of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

    "I have been trying to learn how to communicate with you.

    How did you learn my language?" Eve asked.

    I ate the fruit of this tree, Lucifer responded through the serpent.

    I have never touched that fruit, Eve thoughtfully replied. Then as an afterthought, she added, "The Creator

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